Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Yesterday my parents and I visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. It was a perfect day outside, and there were gorgeous views of the valley below as we drove up to the Library site.

The Library contains over 100,000 square feet of exhibits and galleries, and is housed in a beautiful ranch-style building. It feels like you are at a retreat!

Mr. President was there to greet us at the entrance.

Cue the obligatory photo with the President and First Lady. Had to be done.

The Library guides you through the entirety of Reagan’s life, from his humble beginnings up to the end of his life. It is an extremely informative and interesting museum.

Throughout their marriage, Reagan sent Nancy over 700 love letters, notes, telegrams and cards, many of which are on display at the Library. They are wonderful and touching to read.

The Library has a replica of Reagan’s oval office, which was really neat to see.

I also loved the selection of Nancy Reagan’s wardrobe. She was so stylish!

The Air Force One Pavilion was my favorite part of the Library. This Boeing 707 became Air Force One in February of 1973, and transported 7 U.S. Presidents: Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and the second Bush, until its retirement in September of 2001. This plane flew Reagan over 660,000 miles – to 26 foreign countries and 46 U.S. states.

Visitors can walk through the interior of the plane. It looks very dated now, but is so interesting to see!

The design of the Air Force One Pavilion is absolutely beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Pavilion also houses a collection of presidential motorcade vehicles.

This 1983 Cadillac presidential parade limousine joined President Reagan’s motorcade detail in January of 1984.

Here’s the Marine One used by Reagan, which you can also walk through!

Don’t leave the Air Force One Pavilion without first stepping out onto the terrace. The views won’t disappoint!

After a short break, we walked through the remainder of the Library, which houses exhibits from Reagan’s later years.

You can even take a leisurely horseback ride with the President!

Even Dad joined in on the fun.

At the end of the tour, we explored the backyard of the Library.

A section of the Berlin wall is housed outside.

This is where Reagan is buried.

Regardless of your political views, and whether you liked or disliked this president, the Reagan Library is such an interesting and informative place to visit, and the Air Force One Pavilion is worth a visit alone!